Something Old" Wedding Tradition: Origins And Idea

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue is a popular wedding tradition that has been around for centuries. The rhyme originated in England during the Victorian era and is based on an Old English rhyme from the 19th century. The something old part of the tradition represents continuity and protection for the bride's future children. It is a way to honour the bride's past and family and bring those connections into the marriage. It can be anything from a vintage getaway car to a piece of jewellery or clothing belonging to a loved one.

Something old represents continuity and protection for future children

The "something old" wedding tradition is about continuity and protection for future children. It is a chance for the couple to honour their past and their family heritage. It is also about protecting the bride from the "evil eye", which was believed to cause infertility.

"Something old" can be a family heirloom, a vintage piece of jewellery, or an item of clothing belonging to a loved one. It can be a subtle detail, such as sewing a piece of fabric from the mother's wedding gown into the bride's dress, or wearing a locket with a photo of a loved one. It can also be more symbolic, such as choosing specific readings for the ceremony or wearing a custom piece of jewellery with your new initials.

"Something old" is often gifted to the bride by her family, especially her parents. It is a way to feel connected to loved ones and bring their protection and blessings into the marriage. This tradition is about seeking continuity and honouring the past while stepping into a new chapter of life.

In addition to its symbolic meaning, "something old" is also believed to bring good luck. By wearing or carrying an old item, the bride is thought to be protected from the "evil eye", which was considered a curse passed through a malicious glare that could cause infertility. This belief dates back to the Victorian era in Lancashire, England, where the tradition of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" originated.

The "something old" tradition is a heartwarming way to incorporate family history and seek blessings for the future. It adds a layer of sentimentality and continuity to the wedding day, reminding the couple of their roots as they embark on their new life together.

It can be a family heirloom or a vintage item

"Something old" is about continuity, representing the best part of a couple's non-married life that they can extend into their marriage. It also symbolises a bride's connection with her family and the past.

• A piece of vintage jewellery, like a necklace, bracelet, earrings, or ring.
• A family heirloom, such as a veil, handkerchief, or cufflinks.
• A vintage getaway car for your wedding transport.
• A vintage accessory, like a hair clip, pin, or brooch.
• A vintage fabric incorporated into your wedding décor, such as napkins, bunting, or table runners.
• A vintage cake topper.
• A vintage sports car for your wedding exit.
• A vintage photo of a family member in a locket.
• A vintage reading or wedding music selection.
• A vintage wedding dress or suit.
• A vintage engagement ring or wedding band.

It can be used to symbolise the bride's connection with her family

"Something old" is a wedding tradition based on an Old English rhyme that dates back to 19th-century Lancashire. The rhyme describes the items a bride should have on her wedding day to bring good luck and a successful and happy marriage. "Something old" represents continuity and protection for the bride's future children, as well as a tie to her past.

"Something old" can be used to symbolise the bride's connection with her family in several ways. It can be an opportunity for the bride to wear a piece of vintage jewellery or an item of clothing belonging to an older female relative, such as her mother, grandmother, or aunt. This allows the bride to feel connected to her loved ones on her special day. The item can also be gifted to the bride by her parents before the ceremony, further strengthening the family bond.

Additionally, "something old" can be used to pay tribute to lost loved ones. For example, the bride might tuck an old photo of a deceased family member into a locket or bouquet as a reminder of their presence in spirit. This gesture honours the memory of those who are no longer physically present but remain an important part of the bride's family and life.

The tradition of "something old" also extends beyond trinkets and jewellery. Brides can incorporate "something old" in creative ways, such as driving away from the reception in a vintage car or adding a touch of vintage fabric from her mother's wedding gown to her own dress. These unique touches add a layer of sentimentality and family connection to the wedding day.

In conclusion, "something old" is not just about continuity and protection but also about honouring family ties and cherishing memories. It is a way for the bride to feel connected to her loved ones, both past and present, as she embarks on a new chapter of her life.

It can be a creative way to honour lost loved ones

"Something old" is about continuity and representing the best part of a couple's non-married life, intending to extend this into their marriage. It is also symbolic of a bride's connection with her family and the past.

Honouring lost loved ones is a special way to remember those who can't be with you on your wedding day. It can be a private or public tribute, or something more subtle. Here are some creative ways to honour lost loved ones through "something old":

• Wear a photo boutonnière: Place their photo in a small frame and pin it to a lapel, dress neckline, or inside your jacket. Alternatively, add the photo as a charm tied to your bouquet.
• Reserve a seat in the front row: Use their jacket, place a bouquet of flowers on the chair, or block the seat with ribbons and a custom sign.
• Carry symbolic flowers: Use flowers that symbolise remembrance and honour, like white roses. You can also use their favourite flowers in your ceremony decor, such as boutonnieres or bouquets.
• Wear a piece of their clothing: Cut a small article of clothing into the shape of a heart and sew it into your dress or suit.
• Add a hidden patch to your attire: Use a piece of fabric that reminds you of your loved one, such as a heart-shaped patch made from their shirt.
• Wear their favourite scent: Scent is a powerful memory evoker, so wearing their signature perfume or cologne can make you feel like they are with you.
• Choose cherished jewellery: If you have jewellery or cufflinks that were passed down to you, wear them on your wedding day.
• Incorporate sentimental fabric: Wrap your bridal bouquet in a sentimental fabric, such as lace from your mother's wedding dress. These small swatches can also be added to a wedding dress or sewn into the inside of a jacket.
• Display their favourite photos: Set up a memory table with framed photos, or create a photo backdrop or collage.
• Add a keepsake to your bouquet: Add a locked or photo charm, or a symbol like a feather or angel wing charm, to your bouquet.
• Play their favourite song: If there's a song that reminds you of them, play it at your reception or during a dance.
• Offer their favourite drink: Serve a signature drink and name it after them, such as "Mary's Moscow Mule".

These ideas offer creative and heartfelt ways to honour lost loved ones on your wedding day, ensuring their presence is felt and remembered.

It can be a reading chosen by the couple for the ceremony

"Something old" is a wedding tradition symbolising continuity between the couple's past and future lives. It is often represented by a physical item, such as a vintage getaway car, a piece of jewellery, or a family heirloom. However, it can also be represented metaphorically through the readings chosen by the couple for their ceremony.

For instance, at their wedding in the Basque Country of Spain, Chris and Zachary chose the love sonnet "XVII" by Pablo Neruda, a reading from "Song of the Open Road" by Walt Whitman, and John 15:9-12 as their "something old". These readings held special significance for the couple and served as a connection to their past.

Including "something old" in the wedding ceremony is a way to honour family heritage and incorporate meaningful people, objects, and memories into the celebration. It is a fun and creative way to blend the past, present, and future, bringing good luck and optimism for the couple's future together.

So, while "something old" can be represented by physical items, it can also be represented through the couple's chosen readings, adding a unique and personal touch to their special day.

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